wildlife
Americannoun
adjective
noun
Etymology
Origin of wildlife
Explanation
Animals that aren't tamed or domesticated are collectively known as wildlife. One of the things people love about visiting the Galapagos Islands is seeing all the unusual wildlife. All of the wild animals that live in a particular area (and sometimes the plants as well) fall under the category of wildlife. If you're dedicated to protecting wildlife, it means you care about keeping native animals from being harmed by humans. A wildlife refuge or sanctuary is a place where animals can roam without being hunted, and native plants grow freely.
Vocabulary lists containing wildlife
Endangered Species and Wildlife Conservation
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for July 3–July 9, 2021
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for June 8–June 14, 2024
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The authority said its plan aimed to "support wildlife, tackle climate change and improve people's quality of life".
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
Newman said the centre often sees species of turtles released, but snapping turtles were a worry when it came to other wildlife.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
The New World Screwworm is a fly whose larvae feed on living tissue, and can infect cattle, wildlife, pets and, rarely, people.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
The Fish and Wildlife spokesperson said people can help avoid attracting more wildlife into urban areas by removing attractants from their homes.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026
Too many of them are to be found defending herbicides as “harmless” to wildlife because they are thought to be less toxic than insecticides.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
